Hamas official: No financial corruption in Gaza since 2006

GAZA CITY (Ma'an) -- Not a single case of corruption has been reported in the Hamas-run Ministry of Finance in Gaza since 2006, an official claimed on Sunday.

Ministry official Ismail Mahfouz made the comments while speaking at a Hamas organized panel discussion, adding that 50 percent of Hamas' budget comes from taxes and local revenues.

The finance ministry serves society indirectly through supporting other ministries which provide services, he said. The ministry also provides services to businessmen who import commodities and pay taxes, he added.

"One aspect of the siege on Gaza is the financial siege, and the government has overcome all the obstacles laid to impede its progress," Mahfouz said.

The ministry collects around $3 million per month in tax revenues, adding that despite price rises in the West Bank, the Gaza government only charges 1 shekel per liter of fuel.